Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

Almost half of S&P 500 stocks are down for the year, but a bunch show signs they are reviving. Our screen spotlights the most promising.

SECAUCUS, N.J., May 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), a leader in diagnostic information services, today announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.86 per share, payable on July 22, 2026 to shareholders of record of Quest Diagnostics common stock on July 8, 2026.

Here is how Quest Diagnostics (DGX) and DaVita HealthCare (DVA) have performed compared to their sector so far this year.

Quest Diagnostics (DGX) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), reflecting growing optimism about the company's earnings prospects. This might drive the stock higher in the near term.

In a game of word association, Churchill Downs and Kentucky Derby are a common match. But for investors, it's worth your time to get familiar with Churchill Downs Inc. NASDAQ: CHDN, the parent company that operates the racetrack that hosts the Kentucky Derby.

Here at Zacks, our focus is on the proven Zacks Rank system, which emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find great stocks. Nevertheless, we are always paying attention to the latest value, growth, and momentum trends to underscore strong picks.

Investors interested in Gaming stocks are likely familiar with Churchill Downs (CHDN) and Take-Two Interactive (TTWO). But which of these two companies is the best option for those looking for undervalued stocks?

Churchill Downs (CHDN) is well positioned to outperform the market, as it exhibits above-average growth in financials.

Sin stocks attract investors for inelastic demand, steady cash flows, dividends and pricing power, often at lower valuations when excluded by ESG rules.

LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq: CHDN) (the "Company", "CDI", "we") announced today that Golden Tempo claimed the Garland of Roses at the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve under partly sunny skies and the cheers of over 150,000 exuberant fans.

Here at Zacks, our focus is on the proven Zacks Rank system, which emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find great stocks. Nevertheless, we are always paying attention to the latest value, growth, and momentum trends to underscore strong picks.

The legal sports betting market is under attack from prediction markets like Kalshi and PolyMarket, which offer traders contracts on everything from pro sports games to election outcomes to temperature highs in specific cities.

The Zacks Gaming industry is facing pressure from cautious consumer spending amid inflation and economic uncertainty. Intense competition among casinos, sportsbooks and online gaming operators has increased promotional costs, while higher labor expenses, regulatory hurdles and rising taxes in some markets are squeezing margins. Additionally, stricter responsible gaming measures and slower spending from lower-income customers are creating challenges for industry growth. However, the industry is benefiting from rising Macau gaming revenues and strong demand for sports betting. Stocks such as Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS - Free Report) , MGM Resorts International (MGM - Free Report) , Churchill Downs Incorporated (CHDN - Free Report) and Rush Street Interactive, Inc. (RSI - Free Report) are likely to gain traction.

Industry Description The Zacks Gaming industry includes companies that own and operate integrated casinos, hotels and entertainment resorts. Some industry playersalso deliver technology products andservices across the lotteries, electronic gaming machines, sports betting and interactive gaming markets. Some firms develop and operate gaming establishments and associated lodging, restaurants, horse racing and entertainment amenities. Many companies are involved in developing and selling gaming applications. E-sports or sporting events or tournament services, content management systems, video software, mobile applications and e-sports data platform solutions are provided as well.

Key Themes Shaping the Gaming Industry Macroeconomic Pressure on Discretionary Spending: Economic uncertainty and persistent inflation have started to weigh on consumer discretionary spending, which directly impacts casino visitation and online betting activity. Gaming and gambling are largely entertainment-driven expenditures, making them sensitive to shifts in household budgets. When consumers face higher costs for essentials such as housing, food and energy, they often reduce spending on leisure activities like casino trips, sports betting and online gaming. This environment can lead to slower revenue growth for operators, particularly in regional markets that depend heavily on local consumer spending.

Rising Regulatory Pressure and Tax Burden: The U.S. gaming industry continues to face increasing regulatory scrutiny and higher tax rates across several states. As online sports betting and iGaming expand, many state governments are imposing stricter compliance requirements and higher tax structures to boost public revenues. These measures can significantly compress operator margins and increase operating costs. Additionally, the lack of uniform federal regulation means companies must navigate a complex patchwork of state-specific rules, licensing procedures and reporting requirements, which adds administrative burden and slows expansion plans.

Strong Macau Gaming Trends Support Industry Growth: According to Macao’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, Macau's gaming market continued to gain momentum in May, supported by healthy tourism activity and strong holiday-related demand. Gross gaming revenues reached approximately 22.6 billion patacas ($2.8 billion) during the month, reflecting solid growth from both the prior year and the previous month. For the first five months of 2026, cumulative gaming revenues totaled about 108.4 billion patacas, representing nearly 11% growth year over year. Monthly revenues have remained above 20 billion patacas for most of the year, signaling sustained strength in Macau's recovery and providing a favorable backdrop for casino operators with exposure to the market.

Sports Betting Remains a Key Industry Growth Catalyst: The continued expansion of legalized sports betting across the United States has become a major driver of growth for the gaming industry. An increasing number of states now permit mobile and retail sports wagering, allowing operators to reach a broader customer base through digital platforms. Leading sportsbooks such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, ESPN BET and BetRivers continue to attract users with enhanced betting options and technology-driven experiences. The growing adoption of online wagering, combined with strong consumer interest in major sporting events, has created a significant revenue opportunity for gaming operators and technology providers alike.

Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Dull Prospects The Zacks Gaming industry is grouped within the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector. Carrying a Zacks Industry Rank #157 places it in the bottom 36% of more than 245 Zacks industries.

The group’s Zacks Industry Rank, which is the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates dull near-term prospects. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than two to one.

The industry’s position in the bottom 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries is a result of a negative earnings outlook for the constituent companies in aggregate. Looking at the aggregate earnings estimate revisions, it appears that analysts are gradually losing confidence in this group’s earnings growth potential.

We will present a few gaming stocks that you can add to your investment portfolio, given their strong fundamentals. However, it is worth looking at the industry’s shareholder returns and current valuation first.

Industry Underperforms the S&P 500 The Zacks Gaming industry has underperformed the S&P 500 Index and the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector in the past year.

The industry has declined 14.1% over this period against the S&P 500 Index’s growth of 31.2%. In the same time frame, the sector has declined 10.8%.

1-Year Price Performance

Gaming Industry's Valuation Since gaming companies are debt-laden, valuing the same based on the EV/EBITDA (Enterprise Value/ Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization) ratio makes sense. The industry currently has a trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA ratio of 14.68 compared with the S&P 500’s 18.91.

Over the past three years, the industry has traded as high as 24.77X and as low as 13.31X, with a median of 18.04X, as the chart below shows.

Enterprise Value-to-EBITDA Ratio (Past 3 Years) 4 Gaming Stocks to Watch Rush Street Interactive: Rush Street Interactive is benefiting from the continued expansion of online sports betting and iGaming markets across North America. The company has been attracting more active users through its user-friendly digital platforms, broad product offerings and effective customer retention strategies.

This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) player’s shares have gained 101.6% in the past year. RSI’s 2026 earnings are likely to witness growth of 56.8% year over year. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Price & Consensus: RSI

Churchill Downs: Churchill Downs is benefiting from strong demand across its gaming, racing and wagering businesses. The company continues to expand its portfolio of historical racing machine venues, which have become an important contributor to revenue and earnings growth.

This Zacks Rank #2 player’s shares have declined 4.4% in the past year. CHDN’s 2026 earnings are likely to witness growth of 19.4% year over year.

Price & Consensus: CHDN

Las Vegas Sands: The company continues to benefit from resilient spending by premium customers at Marina Bay Sands, where strong demand for luxury hospitality, gaming and entertainment offerings has supported healthy revenues and cash flow generation. Meanwhile, the company is advancing strategic investments in Macau, focusing on property enhancements, service improvements and expanded non-gaming attractions.

This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company’s shares have gained 26.4% in the past year. LVS’ 2026 earnings are likely to witness growth of 12.3% year over year.

Price & Consensus: LVS

MGM Resorts: MGM Resorts continues to benefit from strong momentum in its Macau and digital businesses, which have emerged as key growth drivers. Healthy performance at MGM China, coupled with expanding contributions from online gaming and sports betting operations, has helped offset softer trends in certain domestic markets.

This Zacks Rank #3 company’s shares have gained 58.6% in the past year. MGM’s 2026 sales are likely to witness a rise of 1.3% year over year.

Price & Consensus: MGM

Key Takeaways SN reported 25.3% y/y EPS growth as sales rose across most appliance categories.SharkNinja's international sales jumped 31.6%, far outpacing domestic growth.SN launched products, including Ninja Crispi Pro and Shark TurboBlade Fan. SharkNinja, Inc. (SN - Free Report) has delivered strong first-quarter 2026 results, supported by continued product innovation, expanding international demand and strength across multiple appliance categories. The company posted adjusted earnings of $1.09 per share, rising 25.3% year over year and beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.01 by 7.9%.

Net sales increased 15.6% year over year to $1.41 billion or 12.7% on a constant-currency basis, topping the consensus mark of $1.37 billion by 3.4%. The company highlighted that this marked its 12th consecutive quarter of double-digit organic net sales growth despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty and category softness across broader consumer markets.

Management attributed the performance to SharkNinja’s three-pillar growth strategy focused on growing share in existing categories, entering adjacent product categories and expanding internationally. Following the strong first-quarter performance, SharkNinja raised its 2026 outlook across key financial metrics.

SharkNinja Delivers Broad-Based Category GrowthSharkNinja posted growth across most of its major product categories during the quarter. Cleaning Appliances revenues increased 17% year over year to $516.6 million, which beat Zacks Consensus Estimate of $463.5 million. This increase was driven primarily by carpet extractors and corded vacuums. Cooking and Beverage Appliances sales climbed 19.8% to $414.6 million and surpassed the consensus estimate of $373.6 million, supported by continued strength in Ninja Luxe Cafe espresso machines and Ninja Crispi products.

The standout category remained Beauty and Home Environment Appliances, wherein revenues jumped 40.8% year over year to $194.1 million, which surpassed the consensus estimate of $179.3 million. Management cited strong momentum in its skincare portfolio, including products such as Shark Facial Pro Glow, as a major contributor to growth. Meanwhile, Food Preparation Appliances sales declined 3.3% to $287.5 million, which lagged the consensus estimate of $345 million. This was due to weakness in frozen drinks products, partially offset by growth in blending appliances.

The company also highlighted several innovation-driven launches, including Ninja Crispi Pro, Shark TurboBlade Fan and Ninja FlexFlame Propane Grill, as the company continues expanding into new home and outdoor sub-categories.

International Expansion Continues to Drive SN’s MomentumInternational operations remained a key growth driver for SharkNinja in the first quarter. International net sales jumped 31.6% year over year to $496.8 million, substantially outperforming domestic growth of 8.4%, wherein sales reached $916 million. Management said the acceleration was supported by continued expansion into new global markets and the rollout of existing product categories internationally.

SharkNinja products are distributed across 38 markets globally. International net sales reached $2.1 billion in 2025, seeing a 31% CAGR between 2020 and 2025. SharkNinja also highlighted that international net sales witnessed a 31% CAGR between 2020 and 2025, supported by the success of its direct operating model across regions, including the U.K., Germany, France, Italy and Spain.

SharkNinja Faces Tariff Pressures but Maintains Margin StabilitySN’s margin profile reflected a balance of cost headwinds and offsets tied to operating actions. Adjusted gross profit for the first quarter of 2026 increased 13.4% year over year to $695.5 million. Despite the increase in adjusted gross profit dollars, the adjusted gross margin contracted 100 basis points year over year to 49.2%.

The decline in the adjusted gross margin was primarily attributed to tariff-related cost pressures in the U.S. market. However, SharkNinja partially offset these headwinds through ongoing cost-optimization initiatives, favorable shifts in product-category and channel mix, and lower sourcing service fees following the expiration of the sourcing services agreement with JS Global in July 2025.

SN’s Spending Rises With Innovation & ExpansionSharkNinja continued to invest across product development, marketing and corporate infrastructure to support new categories and international growth. Research and development expense increased 12.9% to $98.9 million, driven by higher prototype and testing costs, incremental headcount tied to new categories and market expansion, increased professional and consulting fees and higher technology costs associated with cloud computing solutions.

Sales and marketing expense rose 14.4% to $315.3 million, reflecting higher delivery and distribution costs tied to volume and mix, higher personnel expense to support launches and new markets and higher advertising-related spending. General and administrative expense increased 22.4% to $116.2 million, led by personnel-related costs, including higher share-based compensation, alongside higher legal fees that were partially offset by lower technology costs.

SharkNinja’s Adjusted EBITDA Margin Improves on Operating LeverageSN translated its sales growth into higher operating profitability. Adjusted operating income rose 16.1% year over year to $200.9 million from $173 million, while the adjusted operating margin remained unchanged at 14.2% in both periods.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 17.5% year over year to $235.4 million, and the adjusted EBITDA margin improved 30 basis points year over year to 16.7%, reflecting continued operating leverage and disciplined expense management despite higher growth investments.

SN’s Balance Sheet Remains Liquid as Cash Flow Turns SeasonalSharkNinja ended the first quarter of 2026 with a strong liquidity position. As of March 31, 2026, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $511.8 million, along with $489.1 million of available capacity under its revolving credit facility. Total debt, excluding unamortized deferred financing costs, stood at $729 million at the quarter-end.

Inventory levels increased modestly during the quarter as the company continued to support product launches and international expansion initiatives. Inventories as of March 31, 2026, increased 3.2% sequentially to $1.03 billion compared with $1 billion as of Dec. 31, 2025.

The cash flow reflected working-capital uses. Net cash used in operating activities was $156.3 million, led by changes in accrued expenses and other liabilities, as well as prepaid expenses and other assets. Net cash used in investing activities was $38.4 million, including $33.9 million in purchases of property and equipment, and the company repurchased $18.5 million of ordinary shares during the quarter.

SharkNinja Raises 2026 Outlook on Sales & Earnings PowerThe company expects net sales to increase 11.5-12.5% year over year, higher than the prior stated rise of 10-11%, reflecting continued momentum across product categories and international markets.

SharkNinja also raised its adjusted diluted earnings per share outlook to $6-$6.10, suggesting growth of 13.6-15.5% from that reported in the prior year. This compares favorably with the earlier guidance of $5.90-$6, which implied growth of 11.7-13.6%.

Adjusted EBITDA is projected between $1.29 billion and $1.30 billion, hinting at year-over-year growth of 13.5-14.5%. Previously, the company expected adjusted EBITDA of $1.27-$1.28 billion, representing growth of 11.8-12.7%.

Capital expenditure is projected to be $190-$210 million; this amount will likely support investments in product launches, innovation initiatives and technology infrastructure. Management noted that ongoing uncertainty surrounding the macroeconomic environment, geopolitical conditions and tariff-related developments could impact the company’s future operating results.

SN Stock Past 3-Month Performance

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Shares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have lost 1.7% in the past three months compared with the industry’s decline of 6.5%.

Eye These Better-Ranked PicksSome better-ranked stocks are Under Armour, Inc. (UAA - Free Report) , Gildan Activewear Inc. (GIL - Free Report) and Tilly's, Inc. (TLYS - Free Report) .

Under Armour is a global leader in designing, marketing and distributing performance apparel, footwear and accessories for men, women and youth. It currently sports a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy). The company delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 140.3%, on average. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for UAA’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings indicates declines of 3.8% and 64.5%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.

Gildan Activewear is a manufacturer and marketer of premium quality branded basic activewear for sale principally into the wholesale imprinted activewear segment of the North American apparel market. It currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Gildan Activewear’s current financial-year earnings and sales suggests growth of 22.2% and 68.9%, respectively, from the year-ago actuals. GIL delivered a negative trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 1.1%.

Tilly's is a specialty retailer in the action sports industry, selling clothing, shoes and accessories. It has a Zacks Rank of 2 at present.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Tilly's current fiscal-year earnings and sales implies growth of 70.7% and 2.6%, respectively, from the year-ago actuals. TLYS delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 147%.

SharkNinja delivered strong Q1 2026 results, with net sales up 15.6% to $1.4B and adjusted net income up 25.1%. SN's 3-pillar growth strategy—category expansion, innovation, and international growth—continues to drive robust top- and bottom-line performance. The valuation remains attractive, with a PEG ratio of 1.33, supporting further upside as earnings are expected to grow 13% annually over the next several years.

NEEDHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SharkNinja, Inc. (NYSE: SN), makers of the #1 best-selling espresso maker in the US in 20251, today announced the Ninja AutoBarista™ the brand's first fully automatic espresso machine that brews true espresso, drip coffee, cold brew and café-quality microfoam at the touch of a button. Great espresso requires precision, practice and time - from dialing in grind size and tamping pressure to balancing temperature and extraction timing. According to a recent SharkNi.

New York, NY, May 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Following a BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division Fast-Track SWIFT challenge brought by Dyson, Inc., SharkNinja Operating, LLC voluntarily modified “fastest…blowout” performance claims made for its Shark Glossi 2-in-1 Hot Tool and Air Glosser.

Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited process for single-issue advertising cases reviewed by the National Advertising Division (NAD).

Dyson and Shark make competing hair dryers and stylers. At issue before NAD were Shark’s “fastest blowout” claims on product packaging, its website, and social media, including “The FASTEST, BOUNCY, BLOWOUT WITHOUT THE FRIZZ that lasts all day” and “unlock the fastest, glossiest bouncy blowout ever.” The challenge solely focused on whether comparing average air velocity alone is a good fit for the challenged superlative performance claim.

During the course of the challenge, Shark informed NAD that it had permanently modified its advertising to make clear that the “fastest blowout” claim is based on comparative dry-time testing that it had conducted, rather than air velocity alone. Based on this modification, NAD did not address the substance of the challenge. This voluntarily modified version of the claim will be treated, for compliance purposes, as though NAD recommended they be modified.

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than 20 globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, promote fair competition for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. The National Advertising Division reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.

Investors interested in Consumer Products - Discretionary stocks are likely familiar with Acco Brands (ACCO - Free Report) and SharkNinja, Inc. (SN - Free Report) . But which of these two stocks is more attractive to value investors? We'll need to take a closer look to find out.

There are plenty of strategies for discovering value stocks, but we have found that pairing a strong Zacks Rank with an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system produces the best returns. The Zacks Rank favors stocks with strong earnings estimate revision trends, and our Style Scores highlight companies with specific traits.

Currently, Acco Brands has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy), while SharkNinja, Inc. has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold). Investors should feel comfortable knowing that ACCO likely has seen a stronger improvement to its earnings outlook than SN has recently. But this is only part of the picture for value investors.

Value investors also tend to look at a number of traditional, tried-and-true figures to help them find stocks that they believe are undervalued at their current share price levels.

Our Value category highlights undervalued companies by looking at a variety of key metrics, including the popular P/E ratio, as well as the P/S ratio, earnings yield, cash flow per share, and a variety of other fundamentals that have been used by value investors for years.

ACCO currently has a forward P/E ratio of 4.49, while SN has a forward P/E of 20.04. We also note that ACCO has a PEG ratio of 0.75. This popular metric is similar to the widely-known P/E ratio, with the difference being that the PEG ratio also takes into account the company's expected earnings growth rate. SN currently has a PEG ratio of 1.54.

Another notable valuation metric for ACCO is its P/B ratio of 0.53. Investors use the P/B ratio to look at a stock's market value versus its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. By comparison, SN has a P/B of 6.28.

These are just a few of the metrics contributing to ACCO's Value grade of A and SN's Value grade of D.

ACCO has seen stronger estimate revision activity and sports more attractive valuation metrics than SN, so it seems like value investors will conclude that ACCO is the superior option right now.

NEEDHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SharkNinja, Inc. (NYSE: SN), the global product design and technology company, today introduced the Shark Home Luxe Collection — Shark Home's first cross-category color collection, bringing elevated new finishes to two of Shark's newest cleaning systems: the Shark® PowerDetect™ UV Reveal™ 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop, and the Shark® PowerDetect Speed™, a lightweight cordless vacuum with an auto-empty dock. Designed to complement modern interiors, the collection r.

NEEDHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SharkNinja, Inc. (NYSE: SN), a global product design and technology company, today introduced Shark® CarpetForce™ — an all-new lineup of lightweight deep carpet cleaning systems designed to transform how consumers care for their carpets at home. The collection includes the Shark® CarpetForce™ Upright Carpet Cleaner and the Shark® CarpetForce™ HairPro® Upright Carpet Cleaner, both engineered to give consumers what traditional carpet cleaners struggle to provide —.

Smith+Nephew (LSE: SN, NYSE: SNN), the global medical technology company, announces the completion of the first clinical cases performed using the next‑generation CORI◊ XT Handheld Robotics Platform, marking an important milestone in the clinical introduction of its latest handheld robotics technology.

CORI XT Handheld Robotic Platform is designed to be the single handheld robotics platform for all orthopaedic needs - partial to revision knee, hip*, and anatomic and reverse shoulders - with a footprint tailored to the unique needs of hospitals and ambulatory surgical suites settings. These early cases represent the first use of CORI XT Platform across both knee and shoulder arthroplasty and reflect Smith+Nephew’s Skill Amplified approach to handheld robotics—designing technology to support and enhance surgeon expertise while preserving surgeon control, clinical judgment, and efficient workflows.

First robotic shoulder arthroplasty cases globally in hospital and ASC settings

The first shoulder arthroplasty cases using CORI XT Platform were performed at Duke Health by a surgical team led by Dr. Christopher Klifto. Dr. Klifto utilized CORI◊ SHOULDER Handheld Robotic Arthroplasty in combination with the AETOS◊ Shoulder System. CORI SHOULDER offers a complete robotic procedure, supporting handheld robotic execution of the humerus and glenoid, across both anatomic and reverse procedures.

Dr. Klifto said, “The CORI SHOULDER workflow was streamlined and efficient; registration and planning were seamless; and the post‑op x‑rays matched our pre‑op planning. A proud moment for the team and an exciting milestone for shoulder robotics.”

Building on this initial clinical experience, Dr. Bertrand Kaper completed the first CORI XT shoulder arthroplasty cases in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) setting at North Valley Surgery Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, further expanding the use of CORI XT Platform across care environments, and highlighting the versatility and fit of the CORI XT Platform in an ASC setting, and the well-suited nature of handheld robotics to shoulder arthroplasty.

Reflecting on these first cases, Dr. Kaper said, “It is a privilege to be part of this transformative effort to bring the accuracy of robotic technology to the surgical treatment of shoulder arthritis. The use of CORI Handheld Robotics allows us to merge advanced technology with surgical expertise to deliver personalized care for shoulder surgery. As we have witnessed with our knee replacement patients, robotic technology enhances the potential for patient recovery and implant longevity. I am confident that these innovations will become the standard for helping our patients who are dealing with the pain and disability of shoulder arthritis.”

To learn more, please visit our CORI SHOULDER website.

First knee replacement cases with CORI XT Platform at NYU Langone

The first knee replacement procedures performed using the CORI XT Handheld Robotics Platform were completed at NYU Langone Health by Dr. Ran Schwarzkopf, orthopedic surgeon and joint replacement specialist. These cases mark the first clinical use of CORI XT Platform in knee arthroplasty and an important milestone in the platform’s broader rollout as its applications continue to expand.

Handheld robotics designed for accuracy1 without compromising efficiency

CORI XT Platform is designed to provide the benefits of robotic assistance while preserving the efficiency and familiarity of established surgical workflows. Its handheld form factor enables surgeons to access robotic guidance and execution support without disrupting procedural flow or adding operational complexity to the operating room.

As part of Smith+Nephew’s Skill Amplified robotics approach, CORI XT Platform is designed to enhance accuracy1 while maintaining surgeon control, tactile feedback, and decision‑making throughout the procedure. By integrating naturally into how surgeons already operate, the platform supports consistent execution without requiring changes to operating room setup or procedural workflow.

With its compact footprint and mobility, CORI XT Platform is suited for use across both hospital and ambulatory surgery center environments.2 The system integrates with Smith+Nephew’s CORIOGRAPH◊ Pre-Operative Planning and Modeling Services to support patient‑specific planning while enabling efficient intraoperative execution.

“These first clinical cases reflect close collaboration with surgeon partners and our commitment to introducing handheld robotics in a thoughtful and practical way,” said Mayank Shandil, Smith+Nephew Senior Vice President, Global Marketing Orthopaedics and Robotics. “Our Skill Amplified approach focuses on supporting surgical accuracy while enabling surgeons to work efficiently and confidently within their preferred workflows.”

The CORI XT Platform is part of Smith+Nephew’s broader MTECH (Musculoskeletal Technologies to Enhance Care and Healing) portfolio, spanning robotics, navigation, visualization, and enabling technologies across orthopaedic surgery.

- ends –

*CORI HIP Handheld Robotic Arthroplasty indication is under development

References:
1. Bollars P, Janssen D, De Weerdt W, et al. Improved accuracy of implant placement with an imageless handheld robotic system compared to conventional instrumentation in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized controlled trial using CT-based assessment of radiological outcomes. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2023;31(12):5446-5452.
2. Smith+Nephew 2020. Internal report. ER0488 Rev. B  Smith+Nephew 2020. Comparison of operating room footprint for robotic-assisted knee arthroplasty systems. Internal Report. EO.REC.PCS015.002.v1.

Media Enquiries

Gina Kamler          +1 (901) 262-9070

Smith+Nephew      [email protected]

About Smith+Nephew

Smith+Nephew is a portfolio medical technology business focused on the repair, regeneration and replacement of soft and hard tissue. We exist to restore people’s bodies and their self-belief by using technology to take the limits off living. We call this purpose ‘Life Unlimited’. Our 17,000 employees deliver this mission every day, making a difference to patients’ lives through the excellence of our product portfolio, and the invention and application of new technologies across our three global business units of Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & ENT and Advanced Wound Management.

Founded in Hull, UK, in 1856, we now operate in around 100 countries, and generated annual sales of $6.2 billion in 2025. Smith+Nephew is a constituent of the FTSE100 (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN). The terms ‘Group’ and ‘Smith+Nephew’ are used to refer to Smith & Nephew plc and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise.

For more information about Smith+Nephew, please visit www.smith-nephew.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.

Forward-looking Statements

This document may contain forward-looking statements that may or may not prove accurate. For example, statements regarding expected revenue growth and trading profit margins, market trends and our product pipeline are forward-looking statements. Phrases such as "aim", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "well-placed", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "consider" and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is expressed or implied by the statements. For Smith+Nephew, these factors include: conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, economic and financial conditions in the markets we serve, especially those affecting healthcare providers, payers and customers; price levels for established and innovative medical devices; developments in medical technology; regulatory approvals, reimbursement decisions or other government actions; product defects or recalls or other problems with quality management systems or failure to comply with related regulations; litigation relating to patent or other claims; legal and financial compliance risks and related investigative, remedial or enforcement actions; disruption to our supply chain or operations or those of our suppliers; competition for qualified personnel; strategic actions, including acquisitions and disposals, our success in performing due diligence, valuing and integrating acquired businesses; disruption that may result from transactions or other changes we make in our business plans or organisation to adapt to market developments; relationships with healthcare professionals; reliance on information technology and cybersecurity; disruptions due to natural disasters, weather and climate change related events; changes in customer and other stakeholder sustainability expectations; changes in taxation regulations; effects of foreign exchange volatility; and numerous other matters that affect us or our markets, including those of a political, economic, business, competitive or reputational nature. Please refer to the documents that Smith+Nephew has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including Smith+Nephew's most recent annual report on Form 20-F, which is available on the SEC’s website at www. sec.gov, for a discussion of certain of these factors. Any forward-looking statement is based on information available to Smith+Nephew as of the date of the statement. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to Smith+Nephew are qualified by this caution. Smith+Nephew does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in circumstances or in Smith+Nephew's expectations.

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Smith & Nephew PLC (LSE:SN) efforts to expand its surgical robotics platform and strengthen its orthopaedics pipeline received a vote of confidence from surgeons at a recent investor event, according to analysts at JPMorgan.

Analyst Veronika Dubajova said discussions at the medical technology group's Expert Surgeon Insights event in London left her incrementally more positive on the prospects for CORI, Smith & Nephew's robotic-assisted surgery platform.

The event featured surgeons discussing their experiences with products across the company's portfolio and followed a similar gathering held in New York in December.

Dubajova said enthusiasm for CORI appeared to have increased as the platform broadens beyond knee procedures. The addition of CORI Shoulder has already expanded its capabilities, while a hip surgery application is expected to launch within the next six to seven months.

Surgeons also expressed growing confidence in LANDMARK, Smith & Nephew's next-generation knee system, ahead of its planned launch in the third quarter of 2026.

The positive feedback is significant because investors have closely watched Smith & Nephew's ability to drive growth through innovation after years of lagging some larger rivals in orthopaedics.

JPMorgan said the event highlighted the breadth of the group's product development programme and the pace of upcoming launches.

However, Dubajova noted that investors remain focused on nearer-term execution, particularly delivery against the company's 2026 guidance, which is weighted towards the second half of the year.

Littelfuse, Inc. (NASDAQ: LFUS - Get Free Report) has received a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" from the five research firms that are covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, one has given a hold recommendation, two have given a buy recommendation and one has issued a

Littelfuse, Inc. (NASDAQ:LFUS – Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of “Moderate Buy” from the five ratings firms that are covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating, two have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average 1-year price target among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $374.00.

A number of brokerages recently weighed in on LFUS. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Littelfuse from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Friday, March 6th. Williams Trading set a $360.00 target price on shares of Littelfuse in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. Benchmark raised shares of Littelfuse from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $360.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. Weiss Ratings cut shares of Littelfuse from a “hold (c-)” rating to a “sell (d+)” rating in a research report on Monday. Finally, UBS Group set a $360.00 target price on shares of Littelfuse in a report on Thursday, January 29th.

Get Our Latest Report on LFUS

Insider Buying and Selling In other news, SVP Peter Sung-Jip Kim sold 5,488 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $326.35, for a total value of $1,791,008.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president owned 10,175 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $3,320,611.25. This represents a 35.04% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Jeffrey G. Gorski sold 3,500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $330.32, for a total transaction of $1,156,120.00. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 6,433 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $2,124,948.56. This represents a 35.24% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 49,012 shares of company stock valued at $16,227,764 over the last three months. Insiders own 1.00% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Trading of Littelfuse A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Littelfuse by 1.5% during the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 2,969,874 shares of the technology company’s stock valued at $751,141,000 after purchasing an additional 44,826 shares during the period. Barrow Hanley Mewhinney & Strauss LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Littelfuse by 67.3% in the 4th quarter. Barrow Hanley Mewhinney & Strauss LLC now owns 1,024,176 shares of the technology company’s stock worth $259,035,000 after purchasing an additional 412,160 shares in the last quarter. Van Lanschot Kempen Investment Management N.V. lifted its holdings in shares of Littelfuse by 3.9% in the 4th quarter. Van Lanschot Kempen Investment Management N.V. now owns 980,498 shares of the technology company’s stock worth $247,988,000 after purchasing an additional 37,203 shares in the last quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Littelfuse by 58.6% in the 4th quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. now owns 609,966 shares of the technology company’s stock worth $154,273,000 after purchasing an additional 225,445 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its stake in Littelfuse by 5.3% during the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 516,479 shares of the technology company’s stock valued at $130,635,000 after acquiring an additional 25,860 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.14% of the company’s stock.

Littelfuse Stock Performance Shares of LFUS opened at $389.49 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 1.91 and a current ratio of 2.69. Littelfuse has a twelve month low of $150.07 and a twelve month high of $397.00. The firm’s 50 day moving average price is $349.58 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $295.58. The firm has a market cap of $9.80 billion, a P/E ratio of -134.31, a PEG ratio of 2.48 and a beta of 1.40.

Littelfuse (NASDAQ:LFUS – Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 28th. The technology company reported $2.69 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $2.51 by $0.18. Littelfuse had a negative net margin of 3.00% and a positive return on equity of 10.53%. The company had revenue of $593.93 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $583.53 million. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.04 earnings per share. The firm’s revenue was up 12.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Littelfuse has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 2.700-2.900 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that Littelfuse will post 9.49 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Littelfuse Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, March 5th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 19th were issued a $0.75 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, February 19th. This represents a $3.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.8%. Littelfuse’s dividend payout ratio is -103.45%.

Littelfuse Company Profile (Get Free Report)

Littelfuse, Inc is a global manufacturer of circuit protection, power control, and sensing technologies. Founded in 1927 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company develops and produces a broad range of products designed to safeguard electrical and electronic systems across a variety of end markets. Littelfuse’s offerings include fuses, semiconductors, relays, and sensors, all engineered to protect against overcurrent, overvoltage, and thermal events in demanding applications.

The company’s product portfolio is organized into key segments such as Automotive, Industrial & Electronics, and Power & Sensor.

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CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Littelfuse, Inc. (NASDAQ: LFUS), a leader in developing smart solutions that enable safe and efficient electrical energy transfer, today announced that Anne‑Marie D'Angelo will join the company as Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, effective May 1, 2026. Greg Henderson, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are pleased to welcome Anne‑Marie to the Littelfuse executive leadership team. She is a proven leader with an exceptional track record of.